Like a River

This book whispers “never give up” to its reader. It also is not for the faint of heart because it is wrapped around pain, loss, and finding purpose. I was immediately pulled into Leander’s inner struggle. Tired of being the youngest son, he wants to prove his manhood and is desperate for his parents to love and respect him as they do his older brother. Jealousy nips his heart, so he lies about his age and enlists in the Union army. Like a River is a gripping story of a young boy in the Civil War.

Through twists and turns, Like a River also revolves around a second main character who is captured and survives the horror and starvation of the Andersonville prison camp where nearly 13,000 Union soldiers died. Author, Kathy Cannon Wiechman finds the perfect balance and avoids horrific details but still shows the harsh conditions and tragedy of war. Scenes are filled with sounds of suffering, smells of war, and the taste of starvation, while the characters grow in strength and resolve. Even though the book is not happy-go-lucky and light entertainment, it ends on a strong and happy note.

Wiechman weaves careful research and history into romance, action, and a story which today’s youth will relate to through remarkable male and female characters. The reading age is 9 -12 years, and 4 -7 grade level.

This book would be a great resource for homeschool curriculums. I learned some history from Like a River. The Sultana, a Mississippi steamboat, sank in 1865 after three boilers exploded. Between 1,200-1,800 Union Soldiers as passengers, released from Confederate prisons and returning home, were killed in this tragic event. This has been cited as one of the worse maritime disasters in US history.

Enjoy reading! Enjoy learning! Please leave a comment and share one of your favorite historical fiction novels.

Gretchen Carlson

http://gretchencarlsonwriter@gmail.com

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